Burkina Faso: Transport and opening up, the country commits to freeing up rights of way for efficient projects
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development convened its second regular session of the Ministerial Sector Administrative Council (CASEM) at the National School of Public Works in Ouagadougou.
This strategic gathering served as a platform to assess progress, guide initiatives, and outline upcoming projects.
Under the theme “Securing Road and Railway Corridors: Addressing the Challenge of Clearing Encroachments for Effective Infrastructure Implementation,” the session provided an overview of 2024’s achievements while focusing on the action plan for 2025.
Minister Adama Luc Sorgho highlighted the challenges faced during the year, including security concerns, underperformance by certain contractors, and delays in obtaining No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from donors.
The slow pace of clearing occupied project sites by communities and utility companies further hindered progress.
Despite these obstacles, significant strides were made in advancing infrastructure projects.
Out of 277 planned activities for 2024, 123 have been completed, 134 are ongoing, and 20 are yet to begin—resulting in a physical execution rate of 80.95%.
“This is a commendable result given the difficult circumstances,” noted the minister, urging continued support and motivation for staff and partners.
Participants were encouraged to adopt proactive measures to address administrative bottlenecks and improve the pace of project implementation.
Addressing the persistent issue of unregulated encroachments was also emphasized as critical to enhancing the effectiveness of transportation infrastructure initiatives.
Despite the hurdles, the ministry’s commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure remains unwavering.
This session reaffirmed its dedication to advancing projects that support national development and integration, paving the way for a more connected and prosperous future.
Cédric KABORE
